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GSat 7, 7A (Insat 4F, Rukmini)

GSAT-7 / INSAT-4F or Rukmini is a multi-band satellite carrying payloads in UHF, S-band, C-band and Ku-band to be used by the Indian Navy.

It was originally planned to be launched during 2011 onboard GSLV, but was instead moved to a commercial launch by an Ariane-5ECA rocket. It was successfully orbited in August 2013 and positioned at 74º East. The satellite weighs 2650 kg with a payload power of 2000 W and mission life of 9 years.

The multiple-band spacecraft will be used exclusively by the Navy to shore up secure, real-time communications among its warships, submarines, aircraft and land systems. GSAT-7/ INSAT-4F is said to significantly improve the country’s maritime security and intelligence gathering in a wide swathe on the eastern and western flanks of the Indian Ocean region, among others.

A second satellite of this type, GSat 7A, is reportedly for shared use of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. GSAT-7A will enable the IAF to interlink different ground radar stations, ground airbase and Airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft such as Beriev A-50 Phalcon and DRDO AEW&CS. the satellite will enhance Network-centric warfare capabilities of the Indian Air Force and therefore enhance it's global operations.